Yampa Valley Crane Festival ~ First Crane Sighting Contest Winners!

Throughout March, you've spotted them all over the Yampa Valley. Thank you to all who participated in the Colorado Crane Conservation Coalition's First Crane Sighting of the Season Contest!

The earliest sighting reports came March 4, March 12 and March 13. But, since these came by phone (without photos) they were not eligible to win. Here are the winners of our first photo-documented crane sightings. Welcome home cranes!

And the winners (with their photos) are....

FIRST PRIZE: Yampa Valley Birding Club CategoryTresa and David Moulton ~ 3/20, six cranes spotted at 11:35 a.m. on Morgan Bottom Road in Hayden

The Greater Sandhill Crane is an iconic species of the Yampa Valley. Returning in the spring, cranes nest and raise their young in wetland areas throughout the valley. In late summer and early fall, hundreds of cranes from the Rocky Mountain flock join the local birds to rest and feed before continuing their journey south.

The festival will include daily crane viewings,expert speakers, films, art exhibits, workshops, family activities & more. All community activities and events are free! Check back for daily schedules.